Traveling Solo In Europe: Tips For Getting The Most From Traveling Alone

My first backpacking trip in Europe was a solo adventure. I was a little worried at first, but I soon found that traveling alone was one of the best things I’d ever done. While it did have some downsides, I still wholeheartedly endorse solo traveling to anyone (males and females). This guide will cover the positives and the negatives of traveling Europe alone and give you some practical advice on how to make the most of your travels.

Positive Aspects of Solo Travel

Complete Control: When you travel alone you can do whatever you want. You can eat whenever, see whatever, and go wherever you want. You can’t fully appreciate this freedom until you travel with other people.

Food Freedom: From my experience, choosing where to eat can cause more stress than just about anything else– especially when you’re traveling with a group of people. When you travel alone you can choose exactly where to eat. Also, many restaurants in Europe won’t split up the bill so paying become a huge hassle in large groups.

Choose Your Itinerary: You can do the things you want to do. You don’t need to answer to anyone else. In a group everyone has their own ideas of what to see and this can cause a lot of conflict.

No Arguments: You’re bound to get into arguments or even fights with your travel partners. Travel can be stressful and you usually take out your frustration on your travel partners. I find that I get a lot less stressed when I am alone.

Total Focus: There is no one to “distract” you. You’re totally focused on whatever it is you’re experiencing.

Reinvent Yourself: You can be whoever you want to be when you travel alone. This is your chance to let loose.

Meet New People: I meet a lot more people when I travel alone. Groups tend, usually unknowingly, to put up a “wall” between themselves and other travelers, so this makes groups not as approachable. You also have an instant connection with other solo travelers — yes, there are plenty of other solo travelers.

Self-Growth: You have no one but yourself to rely on when you’re a solo traveler. You quickly learn to be self reliant and I think that makes you a stronger person.

Disadvantages of Solo Backpacking

Eating Alone: Many people feel really uncomfortable eating alone — especially in restaurants. It isn’t bad for breakfast and lunch, but dinners do get a little lonely. It really isn’t that bad and it isn’t too hard to find other people to eat with.

Unwanted Isolation: Staying in hostels is great because there are almost always tons of other people around to hang out with. But there will be times where you’ll find yourself alone.

I remember my very first night of solo traveling. I was in Dublin and the hostel was overrun by a large group of Spanish students. There must have been about 40 of them. I didn’t meet any English speakers that first night so it was pretty lonely. I was also a new traveler so I was pretty timid. Luckily, occasions like this were pretty rare.

No “Buddy System”: It can be nice to have a buddy to share your memories with and to help keep each other safe. Although I wouldn’t worry too much about safety because I never felt unsafe in Europe. A little common sense is all you need.

How To Successfully Travel Alone

Stay In Hostels: This is the most important thing for any solo traveler. Hostels are full of like-minded adventurers and most of them are extremely willing to meet new people.

Be Friendly and Outgoing: Smile and be the first person to introduce themselves. If someone new arrives at the hostel greet them. An introverted solo traveler can have a rough time meeting new people. I didn’t do a very good job being outgoing my first few nights and I had a hard time meeting people. But after the third night I forced myself to be a little more outgoing and it opened up so many doors.

Beer: Buy some cheep beer and offer it to people. You’ll meet TONS of people this way. People will often do the same for you.

Cook Meals In The Hostel: You’ll meet so many people if you hang out in the kitchen around dinner time.

Safety First: Use your common sense. It probably isn’t the best idea to walk around large cities at night by yourself. Actually, I’ve done this many times and never felt unsafe . Just be sure to stay alert. If something doesn’t feel right then you shouldn’t do it. Always walk with confidence and act like you’ve done this a million times.

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I’ve found these articles to be beyond informative and I’m sure they’ll help a ton when I leave for Germany later this year! From this article it sounds like solo travel really is the way to go however I was just wondering what’s your take on traveling with just one partner? No way am I going in a massive group but I’m thinking just one wingman would be nice..

TSB

I think traveling with someone is great, too. It is important to sit down before the trip to make sure both of you are on the same page when it comes to your travel expectations. And it is always nice to have someone to go out with (especially at night) which I’ve always found a little tough when traveling solo.

Ace

Thanks, one wingman it is then.

Payton

Great article! Very helpful and I think you have helped me find the courage to do the same thing!

Sylvia

This is great! Thanks

Klaus Lenoir

Really useful, thank you!

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Welcome to The Savvy Backpacker. We’re James and Susan, and we have a passion for backpacking Europe. The Savvy Backpacker was created as an independent planning resource for travelers wanting to backpack through Europe on a budget. Read more about us here.

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